Abstract: A distal tip, and associated method of producing, of a biosensor ion sensing transducer for use in detecting an analyte comprising an halogenated organic compound in an environment such as soil or an aqueous environment. Features include: a biocomponent comprising at least one enzyme for carrying out a dehalogenation of the compound; the biocomponent is immobilized to a surface of the tip; a treatment of the biocomponent for maintaining a period of enzymatic efficacy; and the biocomponent stabilized by means preferably selected from the group consisting of crosslinking a surface of the immobilized biocomponent, crosslinking a polymer layer to the biocomponent, adding a gel-hardening agent to the biocomponent, adding a stabilizing agent to the biocomponent, and modifying a component of the immobilizing means. Immobilization can be carried out by: (a) entrapment within a hydrogel; (b) entrapment within a polymeric network; (c) (micro)encapsulation; (d) covalent-bonding; and (e) adsorption.

Abstract: A distal tip, and associated method of producing, of a biosensor ion sensing transducer for use in detecting an analyte comprising an halogenated organic compound in an environment such as soil or an aqueous environment. Features include: a biocomponent comprising at least one enzyme for carrying out a dehalogenation of the compound; the biocomponent is immobilized to a surface of the tip; a treatment of the biocomponent for maintaining a period of enzymatic efficacy; and the biocomponent stabilized by means preferably selected from the group consisting of crosslinking a surface of the immobilized biocomponent, crosslinking a polymer layer to the biocomponent, adding a gel-hardening agent to the biocomponent, adding a stabilizing agent to the biocomponent, and modifying a component of the immobilizing means. Immobilization can be carried out by: (a) entrapment within a hydrogel; (b) entrapment within a polymeric network; (c) (micro)encapsulation; (d) covalent-bonding; and (e) adsorption.